A Worn Path

by

Eudora Welty

Phoenix

There is no question that Welty knew what she was doing when she chose to name the main character of “A Worn Path” Phoenix Jackson. A Phoenix is a mythological creature that lives for five… read analysis of Phoenix

The Worn Path

The story can be thought of as a kind of road trip. Phoenix travels over many different kinds of surfaces, from sand, to wagon trails, to sidewalks. She also encounters many obstacles along her path… read analysis of The Worn Path

The Scarecrow

At first, Phoenix misidentifies the scarecrow as a black man or a dancing ghost. Both initial reactions reflect a longstanding and very local history of violence against black people, particularly black males. Phoenix has lived… read analysis of The Scarecrow

The Paper Windmill

At the very end of the story, newly equipped with two nickels, Phoenix decides to buy her grandson a paper windmill. While before she has been concerned only with practicalities, her newfound money—a kind of… read analysis of The Paper Windmill